A new independent bookshop planned for the centre of Fort William will be the first outlet of its kind to open in the Lochaber town “for decades.”
Yesterday, Kevin Ramage, one of the trio of business people behind The Highland Bookshop, said they hoped it would become a “cultural and social hub” for the area.
Mr Ramage, his wife Jayne and Spean Bridge-based entrepreneur Angus MacDonald plan to open the shop in a large, traditional building in Fort William High Street in July.
It is a second venture into the book trade for the Ramages, owners of The Watermill, in the Perthshire town of Aberfeldy, which is a previous winner of the UK independent bookshop of the year title.
Mr Ramage said they believed there was “real potential” for the new business in the town know as the Adventure Capital of the UK.
He added: “Being in a large premises, the bookshop will have a positive impact on the whole of Fort William town centre.
“As well as selling books and stationery, we will hold regular events and be a venue for reading and writing groups and we hope that the shop will become a cultural and social hub for Lochaber.”
The owners are currently recruiting staff for the new shop.
Mr MacDonald said: “Having grown up in the area, I’m very excited about being able to open a new and upmarket business in the high street which will be great asset for the town.”
